BC owes Maryland some payback for a 24-21 heartbreaker a year ago. I just do not see Maryland who can't even name a starting QB pull off a win by more than a TD. Boston College continues to improve and we saw a glimpse of the old defense last week as they held Virginia Tech to 6 points in the first half. More importantly is the advantage BC has up front on offense with the big offensive line and an improving running game since losing RB Montel Davis. Rolandan Finch has had back to back quality games.
18 carries 92 yards vs. Virginia Tech's 7th ranked run defense, 19 for 81 vs. Clemson. Now vs. an undersized front 7 of Maryland that's allowing 5.20 yards per carry this year I"m confident BC can stay in this game especially since they are only converting 37% of their RZ attempts into Touchdowns and BC is holding opponents to 41% TD in red zone. Luke Kuechly is everywhere for BC averaging 17 tackles per game. BC is 16-7 ATS in their last 23 as a dog 3.5 to 10 points while Maryland is 9-19 ATS in their last 28 as a home favorite.
Southern Miss just came off a huge win and is now ranked in the top 25. Hold on a second though UTEP is better than their record indicates and are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 home games vs a team with a winning record. They nearly took down Houston 42-49 so we can take them seriously. Now they've gotten it done with the running game averaging 292 rushing yards over their last 3 games and have just 30 attempts passing in the last 2. That means a slower game keeping Smiss off the field and giving them a cover ATS and a chance to win out right because...
Smiss is giving up rushing yards 4.91 yards per carry, and 225/game on the road this year. When they do punt they feature the nation's best punter in Ian Campbell who averages 48 yds per kick giving them an unknown weapon against Smiss. UTEP's defense is also better at home allowing opponents just 28% conversions on 3rd downs and should be able to get off the field from time to time. This defense also only has allowed 2 TD's in the red zone in 11 attempts by opponents.
